Technology shapes nearly every part of our daily lives, from how we communicate to how we learn and share information. In education, access to technology is no longer a luxury; it’s a doorway to opportunity, creativity, and growth. It helps students connect with ideas beyond their own experiences, giving them tools to explore, understand, and dream. But for many of our partner schools, this world of possibility remains out of reach.
In some of our schools, students have never touched a computer, let alone learned how to use one. Their understanding of technology comes only from chalkboard drawings and explanations, lacking the hands-on experience that would make it real to them. Without access to technology, these students are left watching the digital world move forward without them, their potential limited not by their abilities but by their circumstances.
When we began working with the Chibanja directors 11 years ago, many of them had never even turned on a computer. Through our training sessions, we helped them gain basic computer skills, boosting their confidence and enabling them to share what they’d learned with their students. Our training has brought these schools closer to the digital world, but the reality is that it’s only the first step. The demand for technology is still overwhelming, and each student remains at a huge disadvantage without the tools they need to truly engage with it.
Recently, we had the opportunity to help respond to the need for technology in a unique way. As an organization, we received two donated laptops that the donor requested we pass on to a school who could use them. Recognizing that each and every one of our schools could benefit from this technology, we knew we couldn’t just choose ourselves. So instead, we hosted a friendly competition to allow the schools to practice their resource mobilization skills. Over the past two school terms, we have been teaching the directors how to create videos to promote their schools and invite others to join them. So for the competition, each school was invited to create a video appeal explaining their need for the laptops and the impact it would have on their students. The directors were eager to showcase their skills and make a compelling pitch to our three outside judges who would score each video submission.
After careful deliberation, Fountain of Life Community School emerged as the winner. For Priscilla and Margaret, the school’s directors, it was a deeply emotional moment. “Winning these laptops isn’t just a victory for Fountain of Life,” Priscilla shared. “It is a win for all of us.”
To everyone who has supported us with prayers, encouragement, and donations, thank you. Your belief in our mission has enabled us to take huge strides, like helping directors learn new skills and bridging the technology gap, one step at a time. While Fountain of Life celebrates these new laptops, our work continues. We’re excited to continue this journey together.
